Willow 'Dappled'
Willow 'Dappled'
Willow 'Dappled'

Willow 'Dappled'

Maple Leaf Nurseries Ltd.

$29.99
Title

A breathtaking garden showpiece that "changes outfits" with the seasons. In spring, the slender branches are blanketed in a "candy floss" explosion of bright shell-pink. As summer arrives, the foliage transitions into a luminous, hand-painted blend of creamy white and emerald green that catches the light and adds a cooling presence to any landscape. Even in the depths of winter, this willow continues to dazzle with its graceful, arching stems that glow a striking coral red against the snow.
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Plant Details

Mature Size:

4–6 ft (Height) x 5–7 ft (Spread)

Zone:

4–7

Watering:

High

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Very Fast

Light:

Full Sun/Part Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Dappled Willow, Flamingo Willow, Japanese Variegated Willow, Nishiki Willow, Tricolor Willow

Scientific Name:

Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'

Type:

Ornamental Deciduous Shrub or Small Tree (when grafted as a standard)

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: Generally 4–6 ft tall and 5–7 ft wide as a shrub; can reach up to 10 ft if left unpruned.
  • Growth Habit/Form: Compact, rounded habit with elegant, arching/fountain-like branches.
  • Growth Rate: Fast/Rapid growth.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Best in full sun for vibrant variegation, but appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
  • Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, moist, well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter.
  • Soil Tolerance: Highly adaptable; tolerates heavy clay, periodically wet, or flooded soils.
  • Watering: Requires regular, deep watering, especially during hot spells or when grown in containers.

Special Features:

  • Attracts: Pollinators and specialized bees.
  • Uses: Rain gardens, cottage gardens, urban/city gardens.
  • Resistance: Generally deer-resistant and tolerant of urban pollution and black walnut.

Award of Garden Merit winner; fast-growing; excellent for year-round interest.
Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Spring: Emerging pink and white foliage; non-showy yellow catkins appear on bare stems.
  • Summer: Variegated white, green, and pink leaves.
  • Fall: Foliage turns yellow.
  • Winter: Young stems turn brilliant coral red.

Garden Value:

Ideal as a specimen plant, colourful informal hedge, or privacy screen. Its light-catching foliage makes it a perfect "brightener" for darker garden borders or as a focal point near water features like ponds and streams.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife: Provides early-season nectar for bees and nesting sites for birds.
  • Human: High ornamental value; adds light and texture to small spaces; non-toxic to pets and humans

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time: Spring or early fall.
  • Spacing: 4–6 ft apart for hedges; 6 ft apart for specimen planting.
  • Location Tips: Avoid planting directly over drainage pipes as roots seek moisture; provide wind protection to prevent leaf browning.

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
  • Moisture Requirements: Needs consistently moist soil; this plant is very thirsty and does not tolerate drying out.
  • Maintenance & Fertilization: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., N-P-K 10-10-10) or a layer of compost.

Tolerances:

Tolerates wet soil, erosion, and heavy clay

Tips For Success:

Prune hard in late winter (cut back by 1/3 to 1/2) to encourage the brightest pink new growth and most vivid red winter stems. Use a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture.
Fruit Profile